Senior art students to present their work at exhibition from April 11-May 4

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Senior Art + Design Exhibition, which features the capstone experiences for graduating Ashland University art students, will run from Thursday, April 11, through Saturday, May 4, at the Coburn Art Gallery in the Center for the Arts (331 College Ave.). Thursday’s opening features a reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with the senior art awards being announced at 5:30 p.m.

“While the 2024 Senior Art Exhibition provides the capstone experience for graduating art and design majors, it represents more than just students’ studio art experiences,” said Cynthia Petry, director of the Coburn Gallery. “For these students of the liberal arts, the exhibition is the culmination of their undergraduate careers at Ashland University.”

This year’s exhibition includes graphic design, illustration, digital art, mixed media, painting and ceramics from 10 talented senior artists – Kaitlyn Adkins, Sam Harkelroad, Morgan Kocik, Ray Lutz, Vanessa Menchofer, Lily Moyer, Whitney Mullinnex, Haley Smith, Allison Spencer and Maddie Wade.

Adkins, from Galion, Ohio, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art education (painting concentration) this December. She has exhibited works in three Juried Student Art Exhibitions and one of her paintings won the AU Permanent Art Collection Award. She also will be participating in the 2024 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium. After graduation, Adkins plans to secure an art teaching job at an area school.

Harkelroad, a native of Westlake, Ohio, is set to graduate with a B.F.A. (graphic design concentration, digital art minor). He gained further graphic design experience as a summer intern at Loris Printing in Sandusky, Ohio. During his time at AU, he was part of the Eagle Marching Band drumline and other musical ensembles on campus, including symphonic band, percussion ensemble and pep band. Harkelroad will be pursuing a career as a graphic designer in northeast Ohio.

Kocik, of West Salem, Ohio, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree (graphic design concentration, marketing minor). She has held an internship at Maurer Photography in Ashland, Ohio, since September 2023. At AU, she previously participated in sorority life, serving as apparel chair and public relations chair. Following graduation, Kocik hopes to obtain a graphic position locally.

Lutz, from Orrville, Ohio, is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree (graphic design concentration, illustration minor). In addition to his studies at AU, he is a resident assistant. He began an internship at Plume & Paper, a boutique print shop in Smithville, Ohio, and plans to work full-time there upon graduation.

Menchofer, of Liberty Township, Ohio, will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in art education (painting concentration, graphic design minor). She was a four-year member of AU’s nationally-ranked women’s soccer team and also took a study abroad trip to Tuscany. Her artwork was previously displayed in Juried Student Art Exhibitions. After graduation, Menchofer expects to pursue a teaching career, possibly coach soccer and sell her own art at some point.

Moyer, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education (painting concentration). She competes for the AU STUNT team and also has been a four-year member of the football cheerleading squad. She serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and earned Great Midwest Athletic Conference academic all-conference honors. She was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, recognized on the Dean’s List, studies abroad in Italy and volunteered with Campus Activities Board as well. Moyer’s art was showcased previously in three Juried Student Art Exhibitions, and she plans to pursue a teaching career near her hometown.

Mullinex, an Air Force veteran from Loudonville, Ohio, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree having double majored in art (painting concentration) and forensic biology with a minor in chemistry. She earned induction into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and has displayed her art at two previous Juried Student Art Exhibitions. Working with both the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District and Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, she painted a rain barrel that was sold at auction. Mullinex looks forward to a career that encompasses both art and biology.

Smith, from Canton, Ohio, is going to graduate with a B.F.A. (graphic design concentration) in May 2025, with minors in marketing, digital art and video production. A key member of the women’s basketball program, she was a starter on the Eagles’ 2023 national championship team and also is involved with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Her art has been on display at Juried Student Art Exhibitions numerous times, and she won the Alumni “Wink” Award and an Honorable Mention Award. Smith gained valuable experience as a marketing and graphic design intern at the Hall of Fame Village, and plans to pursue a career as a graphic designer.

Spencer is set to graduate with a B.F.A. (illustration concentration, graphic design minor) this May. She has received numerous accolades at previous Juried Student Art Exhibitions, including 2022 Best in Show, 2024 Dean’s Award, 2024 Saville Award, 2023 Bernini Award, 2023 People’s Choice Award and 2022 Honorable Mention. She also has been on the Dean’s List every semester and an active member of the AU Art Club throughout her college career, serving as club president as a senior. After graduation, she has hopes of securing a graphic design internship and ultimately working her way towards an art director.

Wade, from Mansfield, Ohio, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art (painting concentration) with a minor in fashion merchandising. She had an internship at the Coburn Art Gallery, learning multiple skills for the art industry, and has been part of Juried Student Art Exhibitions throughout her time at AU. Wade plans to seek a job in which she can combine her passions of art and fashion following graduation.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.